Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Chordata

Class:

Reptilia

Order:

Squamata

Family:

Viperidae

Genus:

Sistrurus

Species:

Miliarius

Description

Pigmy rattlesnakes, as their name suggests, are miniature rattlesnakes. Sometimes called "groundrattlers," these snakes are so well camouflaged that they are rarely seen. Adult snakes are usually only 18 inches long or smaller. When coiled on the forest floor, they are only the size of a loblolly pinecone. These snakes have a small delicate rattle that is not much wider than the tip of the tail. When they vibrate this rattle, it sounds very much like an insect buzzing; some people have difficulty hearing the rattle.

Average Statistics

Length

15-24 inches

Geographic Range

Southeastern US

Diet

Small frogs, lizards, small mammals and insects

Offspring

They give birth to 3-9 babies in late summer.

Relationship with Humans

Although they are small, "pigmys" are feisty and are apt to strike if molested. Fortunately, these snakes have small venom glands and don?t inject large quantities of their potent venom when they bite. There are no records of any person dying from the bite of a pigmy rattlesnake.